Geeky Lachlan gets crown and girl

A MARYBOROUGH schoolboy-turned-political nerd has won the crown of Australia's Biggest Geek.

But Lachlan Cosgrove didn't just walk away from reality TV series final of Beauty And The Geek with a share in the $100,000 prizemoney - he also walked away with the heart of Sydney dancer and fellow contestant Jordan.

"Definitely meeting Jordan is the best thing that happened. It's something I never could have expected," he said.

"We both tried really hard at the challenges so we could stay in the show and be there with each other."

The romance almost derailed when the New South Wales beauty revealed on national radio that she had taken 22-year-old Lachlan's virginity, while on set.

They hit rocky times again when he got the name of his on-screen partner Sarah tattooed on his rump to win a challenge, with Jordan - his real-life love interest - becoming understandably upset.

But true love has won over and the formerly shy Lachlan has learned not just about girls, but also how to talk to strangers.

Being surrounded by the support of the other "geeks" and the "beauties" - a bevy of attractive but not academic young women - also did wonders for his self-confidence, which was shaky because of his braces and glasses.

"One of my fondest memories of being in the house was when Julian said to me 'There's only one idiot in this house who doesn't think you're awesome'. And then I realised he was talking about me."

It is just as well the former Maryborough State High School student is more comfortable in his skin, because with fame comes the flipside of public scrutiny.

"I was walking down the street in Brisbane the other night, and someone drove past and yelled 'Show me your arse'," he said.

"Obviously it was because of the tattoo, but that never would have happened before. It's a really big change."

While he is still reeling from the hectic pace his life has taken on, Lachlan said he was still considering going back to finish his business and law studies at university - depending on what else happens along the way.

"It's been a crazy ride, and one I've enjoyed immensely," he said.

"I've realised from my time on the show that it really is what is inside that counts, whether you're a beauty on the outside, or a geek."

Lachlan said while he wasn't going to run for parliament any time soon, his experience could come in handy in the future.